MELAND: Thailand’s World-Class Indoor Theme Park Opens at Siam Paragon

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17 November 2025, 11:07

Get ready to welcome a new phenomenon in world-class family entertainment with the launch of “MELAND”, a World- Leading Indoor Theme Park, one of the largest and most advanced indoor amusement parks in the world, and Thailand’s first flagship global landmark outside of China. Scheduled to officially open this December 2025, MELAND will be located on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, in the heart of Bangkok, with an investment of 400 million baht and spans over 5,000 square meters. With its large-scale design and advanced concept, MELAND will be a world-class attraction unlike any other, offering experiences that no other venue can match.

Siam Paragon, recognized as one of the world’s leading destinations, spans 30,500 square meters of world-class attractions, offering an unparalleled combination of entertainment experiences that make it the most comprehensive hub in Thailand for both local and international visitors.

Dedicated to elevating family entertainment experiences to international standards, Siam Paragon integrates the concept of “Edutainment”, combining learning and fun in perfect harmony. The goal is to establish MELAND as the No.1 destination for learning and entertainment in Southeast Asia, setting a new standard for world-class family attractions.

Radian Arc, Blacknut, and TrueID Launch Cloud Gaming in Thailand Expanding AI Sovereign Infrastructure

By

Mc Marketing

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17 November 2025, 09:00

Radian Arc, a global leader in GPU edge infrastructure and AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS), has partnered with TrueID (a True Corporation subsidiary) and Blacknut to launch a Cloud Gaming service in Thailand.

This deployment establishes Thailand’s largest GPU-powered Point of Presence (PoP), expanding the global cloud gaming partnership into the Thai market and laying the foundation for future AI-native services.

TrueID users can instantly stream and play hundreds of premium PC and console-quality games from Blacknut’s catalog directly on mobile devices, Smart TVs, and PCs, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or downloads. The service is bundled with TrueID’s existing data plans.

The service leverages Radian Arc’s GPUaaS edge infrastructure deployed within True’s network to deliver high-performance, low-latency gameplay optimized for Thailand’s connectivity.

David Cook, CEO of Radian Arc, stated the launch is the first step in expanding Thailand’s sovereign digital infrastructure, starting with cloud gaming and scaling into future AI, Cloud PC, and Bandwidth on Demand services.

The partnership also sets the groundwork for Radian Arc’s AI Points of Presence (AI PoPs) across Thailand as part of its AI Sovereign Model, designed to provide localized and secure AI inferencing capacity for governments and enterprises.

Winradit Kolasastraseni, President – Digital Media, True Digital Group, highlighted that this collaboration is a significant milestone for True Digital Group, empowering Thai consumers with cutting-edge cloud gaming experiences while paving the way for future innovation in AI.

Anutin at the Center of a Storm Spanning Cambodia to Washington

By

Khaosod English

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17 November 2025, 02:49

BANGKOK — The suspension of U.S.-Thai trade talks has ignited a political clash in Bangkok, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fending off accusations that his nationalist rhetoric has pushed Washington to link tariff negotiations to Thailand’s faltering ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.

The U.S. Trade Representative last week paused negotiations under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, saying talks could resume “once the Thai side commits to complying with the joint statement,” a reference to the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire declaration witnessed by President Donald Trump in October.

Political Firestorm at Home

The opposition Pheu Thai Party has seized on the suspension, accusing Anutin of stoking nationalism at the expense of economic interests. Tensions escalated after the prime minister, visibly irritated when asked whether scrapping the ceasefire could affect U.S. tariffs, replied: “I don’t care about trade talks or tariffs anymore. If we can’t sell to this country, we’ll sell to another.”

While traveling with the Thai monarchs on a state visit to China, Anutin told reporters he had privately asked Trump to consider further tariff reductions, saying Thailand “cooperates well with America in all aspects.” He said he asked Trump to “save face,” while the U.S. president urged Thailand to honor the Cambodia agreement to preserve his own credibility.

anutin on phone — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul posted this photo of himself and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in China on a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim on November 15, 2025.

Conflicting Accounts

After Washington’s announcement, Anutin insisted the suspension was issued before his November 14 call with Trump. He also said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had assured him on November 15 that Washington would not link the ceasefire issue to trade negotiations.

That account diverges from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, which expressed frustration that the United States had tied trade to a bilateral security dispute. “Security and safety issues… must be considered separate from trade issues,” ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on Saturday.

The Stakes

Two-way goods and services trade between Thailand and the United States totaled an estimated $88.3 billion in 2024, a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthampun said Thailand remains ready to continue negotiations within the planned timeframe.

AP25218709041842 — Cargo containers fill a ship at the Port of Oakland on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Trump’s Leverage and Political Messaging

The intertwining of tariffs and the Thai-Cambodian conflict predates the current government. Washington previously imposed reciprocal 19% tariffs on both countries during a five-day ceasefire in July under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration. Trump has promoted the ceasefire as a signature diplomatic win, telling reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, “I stopped a war just today,” and crediting tariff threats for giving the U.S. leverage.

Domestic Political Calculations

Analysts say Anutin’s combative tone reflects an effort to regain nationalist support after he angered conservatives by acknowledging that both sides contributed to recent border tensions. His decision to suspend the Cambodian declaration came a day after a Thai soldier lost a leg to a landmine believed to have been newly planted by Cambodian forces on November 8.

AP25299183024719 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, from left, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and U.S. President Donald Trump take part in the ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (Mohd Rasfan/Pool Photo via AP)

Former assistant foreign minister Russ Chalijandra said the prime minister’s comments, aimed at pleasing “certain social currents,” reveal inexperience in foreign affairs and risk harming national interests.

Pheu Thai spokesman Suksit Sreejomkhwan criticized what he called Anutin’s “confused and immature” messaging, saying it undermines Thailand’s credibility and weakens its position in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Peopls’s Party Missing in Action

Noticeably silent in the uproar is the People’s Party, the main opposition bloc whose lawmakers backed Anutin’s rise to power under a four-month pact to pursue constitutional amendments before dissolving parliament. The prime minister’s handling of the Cambodia dispute—now spilling into U.S.-Thai relations—appears to have ventured far beyond what the party expected when it struck that deal.

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Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Manila Against Flood-Control Corruption Scandal

By

Associated Press

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16 November 2025, 22:16

Philippines Flood Control Corruption — Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) gather during a three-day anti-corruption rally at Manila's Rizal Park, Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered Sunday in the capital in the largest rally so far to demand accountability for a flood-control corruption scandal that has implicated powerful members of Congress and top government officials.

Various groups have protested in recent months following the discovery that thousands of flood defense projects across one of the world’s most typhoon-prone countries were substandard, incomplete or simply did not exist.

Government engineers, public works officials and construction company executives have testified under oath in hearings by the Senate and a fact-finding commission that members of Congress and officials at the Department of Public Works and Highways took kickbacks from construction companies to help them win lucrative contracts and avoid accountability. Most denied the allegations.

About 650,000 members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, joined the start of the three-day rally Sunday in Manila’s Rizal Park despite intermittent rains, police said. Many wore white shirts and carried anti-corruption placards. About 2,000 people, including retired generals, held a separate anti-corruption protest late Sunday at the “People Power” monument in suburban Quezon city.

AP25320366512816 — Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) shout slogans during a three-day anti-corruption rally at Manila’s Rizal Park, Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

“These thieves have made us very outraged because we pay our taxes and these officials just plunder the treasury and rob us of our future,” said Rachel Morte, a 41-year-old resident from northern Pampanga province who joined the huge Manila rally. “We hope we’ll get justice and the stolen money will be returned to the people.”

Iglesia is an influential group that votes as a bloc and is courted by political candidates during elections.

The police, backed by the military, went on full alert and deployed thousands of personnel to secure the weekend rallies, which were peaceful, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

During a Sept. 21 anti-corruption demonstration, a few hundred black-clad protesters threw rocks, bottles and firebombs at police near the presidential palace in Manila, injuring more than 100 officers. Criminal complaints have been filed against 97 protesters.

The presidential palace went on security lockdown over the weekend, with major access roads barricaded by anti-riot police, cargo containers and barbed wires.

National police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered law enforcement to exercise “maximum tolerance” in Sunday’s rallies.

Marcos promises action

Flood control is an especially sensitive issue in the Philippines, one of the Asian countries most prone to deadly typhoons, flooding and extreme weather. Two typhoons left at least 259 dead this month, mostly from flash floods and landslides, and affected millions of others.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been trying to quell public outrage and street protests sparked by the scandal, saying on Thursday that many of the powerful senators, members of Congress and wealthy businesspeople who were implicated would be in jail by Christmas.

AP25320275876688 — Members of the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) hold placards during a three-day anti-corruption rally at Manila’s Rizal Park, Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Cristino)

Marcos said an independent fact-finding commission he created has already filed criminal complaints for graft , corruption and plunder against 37 suspects. Criminal complaints have also been filed against 86 construction company executives and nine government officials for allegedly evading nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) in taxes.

Among those accused are lawmakers opposed to and allied with Marcos, including former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and a key ally; and former Senate President Chiz Escudero. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Sen. Bong Go, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has also been accused of involvement in corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects. He has denied the allegations.

Duterte, a harsh Marcos critic, was detained by the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands in March on charges of crimes against humanity over his brutal anti-drugs crackdowns.

His daughter, the current vice president, said Marcos should also be held accountable and jailed for approving the 2025 national budget, which appropriated billions for flood control projects.

There have been isolated calls, including by some Duterte supporters, for the military to withdraw its backing for Marcos, but Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has repeatedly rejected the idea.

“With full conviction, I assure the public that the armed forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution,” Brawner said. “Not today, not tomorrow and certainly not under my watch.”

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Thai Corner in Jeju Walk ASEAN–Korea Olle Trail Through Nature and Friendship in Every Step

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CHAYAPON PONLAWAT freelance reporter

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16 November 2025, 19:48

jeju7 — Jeju Province unveils ten benches dedicated to ASEAN nations along the Olle Trail’s Route 8 during a ceremony at Parnas Hotel Jeju on Nov. 11, 2025.

JEJU — On November 11, 2025, Jeju Island unveiled ten new benches along Route 8 of its famed Olle Trail, each dedicated to one ASEAN nation, transforming the trail into the ASEAN–Korea Olle, a living symbol of cross-cultural friendship. The inauguration at Parnas Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo brought together ASEAN ambassadors, provincial leaders, the Jeju Olle Foundation, and journalists from across Southeast Asia, including Khaosod English.

The word “Olle” in Jeju dialect carries special meaning. Traditionally, it refers to the narrow path leading from a family’s home to the main street a small, intimate passageway connecting private life to the wider world. By naming the trail “Olle,” Jeju embraced this metaphor, and the ASEAN–Korea Olle extends it across borders, linking communities, cultures, and nations.

jeju6 — Map of Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 in Seogwipo, showing the coastal path and key points along the route.

Led by the ASEAN–Korea Centre (AKC) in partnership with Jeju authorities, the project goes beyond simple trail furniture. Each bench is paired with a ganse, Jeju’s iconic horse-shaped marker, offering cultural information, QR codes, and a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey. The ten benches, positioned at scenic viewpoints along the trail, allow visitors to relax while learning about each ASEAN member state.

The opening ceremony also featured a special performance by the Jerajin Boys and Girls Choir, singing in the Jeju dialect with AKC Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin highlighted the symbolic resonance

“Just as an olle connects home to street, this trail connects Korea to ASEAN. It is a pathway that brings peoples together, turning distant neighbours into close friends.”

jeju4 — ASEAN–Korea Centre officials and journalists attend the inauguration of the ASEAN–Korea Olle benches.

Route 8: Where Geology Meets Diplomacy

This year, Route 8 stretches 19.6 km through some of Jeju’s most striking landscapes from the hexagonal basalt pillars of Jusangjeolli Cliff to the tropical sands of Jungmun Saekdal Beach and the serene courtyards of Yakcheon-sa Temple. The Malaysian bench, as a Asean Leader this year overlooking Jungmun’s multicolored shoreline, instantly became one of the route’s most photogenic stops.

Inspired by the concept, Kim Jae-shin, who had previously created a “Korea Plaza” in Dresden, worked with local stakeholders to bring it to life.

Originally, organizers considered larger pavilions or bus-stop-style structures, but Jeju’s harsh coastal climate made them impractical.

“Such structures wouldn’t withstand the wind and salty air here,” Kim explained.

The design evolved into durable benches made of high-strength “super concrete” with smooth, organic shapes simple, resilient, and visually harmonious with the landscape. “It is serendipitous to witness the completion of these commemorative benches,” said Singaporean Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun, current chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul. Ambassadors hope the trail will inspire both Korean and international visitors to discover and learn about each ASEAN nation while exploring Jeju.

For Thailand bench is located at Haye‑dong, a tranquil fishing village along Jeju’s southern coastline in Seogwipo. This small yet historically rich area lies along Olle Route 8, and is part of the scenic Yeolli Coastal Road a roughly 4‑kilometre walking path from Nonjitmul to Daepyeong-ri.

jeju3 — The Thailand bench on Jeju’s ASEAN–Korea Olle Trail overlooks Haye‑dong village in Seongwipo.

Haye‑dong is more than just a stop on a trail. It’s a place where Jeju’s traditional haenyeo (Seawomen divers) have long lived and worked, lending the village a deeply rooted maritime character.

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The Haye Port, tucked into its rocky shoreline, offers sweeping views over the sea, with a charming white lighthouse known as the Jinhwang Lighthouse that overlooks volcanic rock formations beloved by local anglers.

Jeju’s Natural Tourism Boom

The Jeju Olle Trail also be one of the significant economic weight. A study by the Jeju Research Institute estimates its economic value at 317.5 billion KRW, driven not only by visitors but also by residents’ willingness to conserve natural landscapes. More broadly, nature tourism contributes around 20% of Jeju’s economy, With visitor arrivals in mid 2025 have already surpassed 7 million by midsummer, signaling that Jeju’s outdoor attractions—including the Olle Trail network are once again at the heart of its economic engine.

Rising visitor numbers, however, have led Jeju to consider eco-taxes and sustainability measures part of the island’s emerging “Jeju Promise” commitment to more responsible tourism.

In an era of geopolitical complexity, the ASEAN–Korea Olle demonstrates that diplomacy can unfold quietly, step by step, along coastal paths lined with wildflowers and lava rock. For travelers from Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and beyond, Route 8 now offers more than a scenic hike it provides a place of recognition, learning, and cross-cultural connection.

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Anutin, the Accidental PM, and How He Mishandled the US

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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16 November 2025, 13:36

anutin trump2 — Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul posts a photo while speaking on the phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on November 14, 2025 regarding the Thai-Cambodia border situation, following Thailand's announcement to suspend the Joint Declaration.

W hen Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that “I’m not interested in how the trade talks or tariffs are going anymore. If we can’t sell to [the US], we will find another country to sell to,” many ultra-nationalists felt it was a proud moment, a declaration of independence, an example of Thailand that can say ‘NO’ to the United States and Donald Trump.

The declaration was made after Anutin had unilaterally nullified the Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration (KLPC) between Thailand and Cambodia following the loss of a Thai soldier’s ankle after the officer stepped on a landmine along the Thai-Cambodian border—a landmine that the majority on the Thai side fully believe was newly laid by the Cambodian side in violation of the peace agreement.

Anutin quickly won the hearts and minds of ultra-nationalists and nationalists, but less than four days later, he would capitulate and tell the public that he had received a call from Trump regarding the peace accord and took the opportunity to request that Trump reduce the tariffs further from the current expected rate of 19 per cent.

Just hours later came the bombshell.

The Thai Foreign Ministry announced yesterday afternoon that the US Trade Representative had informed them that they were putting the negotiation on hold pending Thailand’s return to the commitment to the ceasefire declaration with Cambodia.

About 10 hours later, shortly before 2 a.m. today, November 16, 2025, Anutin posted a message on Facebook from Beijing, where he is part of the entourage of Their Majesties the King and Queen, who are currently on a state visit to China.

Anutin posted on Facebook saying Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim had called him again and said that Trump had assured him he would separate the KL peace declaration issue from the tariff issue. The Thai PM also mentioned that Anwar would post a confirmation of this.

Ten hours have passed as of press time today, and Anwar still hasn’t posted any confirmation. However, we’ll wait for a full 24 hours and afford Anutin the benefit of the doubt, or wait for the US Trade Representative to confirm the matter. I cannot readily believe Anutin because it was less than a week ago, on November 12, when he declared he didn’t care about the Trump tariff.

Yet, the timing of Anutin’s latest Facebook post appeared to be exigent in nature because it was made shortly before 2 a.m. this morning.

If Anutin hadn’t spoken so brazenly and without forethought, saying he didn’t care about Trump’s tariffs, Thailand probably wouldn’t have reached this point today.

Another bizarre matter is the deputy leader of the main opposition People’s Party, Ms Sirikanya Tansakul, criticized Anutin, saying the PM made a tactical blunder: instead of having the US pressure Cambodia, Thailand itself ended up having the trade talks suspended.

Leaders People’s Party refuse to acknowledge that they are the ones who handed Anutin the 14 million votes on a silver platter, enabling him to become an ‘accidental’ Prime Minister. Yet today, they pretend not to see the significant role they and their own party played in creating this problem. I suspect there are no mirrors in their party’s headquarters or in the homes of their key leaders, because they are able to criticize Anutin without reflexivity and not sense the irony of the situation.

If I were a People’s Party MP, by now I would have publicly apologised for having voted Anutin into power, out of shame and a sense of contrition.

Back to Anutin’s haughty remark, I wonder if he had thought things through or was it just a remark driven by the ‘accidental-PM’ adrenalin, and whether he now regrets what he has said.

Without doubt, the US is using a heavy hand to show its superpower might by suspending tariff negotiations with Thailand until the country complies with the KL Peace Declaration. Thais must be level-headed on this matter. We must yield where necessary, or the economic impact will be immense. In 2024, Thailand’s trade surplus with America was 1.2 trillion baht.

Ultra-nationalist fanatics who do not see the bigger picture should wake up and realise that Thailand is not a superpower, nor is it even remotely a power on the level of Russia or South Korea. If Thais do not want to live a self-sufficient way of life, we must trade. At times we must comply even if this is not what many desire and remember how nasty the US can be in exercising its power.

Now Anutin and Thailand are being cornered and losing face, however. The Thai Foreign Ministry has failed to rein in Anutin’s lack of experience in international affairs, where he overestimated the limits of Thai power in the global arena.

And this is a PM propped up by the People’s Party, with PP leader Natthapong Ruengpanyawut saying he voted for Anutin to become PM to dissolve the Parliament after 4 months and to amend the constitution. Now Anutin is at risk of causing severe damage to the Thai economy and has caused a loss of face for not just himself but for Thailand on the international stage.

Why would Thailand put itself in a compromised situation where it would face US coercion and public humiliation? Only an inexperienced PM, the Foreign Minister, or the Foreign Ministry could answer that.

Humiliation aside, some Thais were outraged at America’s undiplomatic move and say they are ready to say no to Trump and the US.

One well-known lawyer, Paisarn Chuayduay, declared yesterday, “The U.S. is pressuring Thailand on taxes. What do the Thai people say? For me, I am ready to fight. The United States is not the father.” (It should be “my father” but he wrote it in English.)

The problem is, if we follow this reckless impulse, then tens of millions of Thais will suffer and be affected because their livelihoods are tied, directly or indirectly, to export businesses to America. Then who will take responsibility? Can Paisarn step in and take responsibility? If not, ultra-nationalists should not be so boastful and cause millions of Thais unnecessary economic hardship.

On X yesterday, a Thai asked me:

“Do we have to agree to everything the U.S. says like this? Is what the U.S. is doing to us worthy of being Thailand’s great friend?”

My reply: “Only a fool thinks America is Thailand’s great friend. That’s just a fancy phrase for diplomatic dinners. Thailand has a trade surplus of 1.2 trillion baht with America. Thai exports to the U.S. amounts to around 20% of the total of Thai exports. This, versus fighting for the satisfaction of xenophobic nationalists… Even a first-grader can answer what is more beneficial for the Thai people.”

BTW, this writer has been advocating for less dependency on both the US and China. Thailand should not be too dependent on any nation, as if we are, then they can wield too much power over us. It’s in the hegemonic nature of any superpower to have to exert control over lesser powers in order to maintain its status and power, sometimes more subtle, other times less subtle and undiplomatic as the US had crudely demonstrated to Thailand this week.

Thailand needs to seek new markets for trade and deepen its economic relations with other countries that are not superpowers if we do not want to be at the mercy of eithet the US or China, or both.

It seems many ultra-nationalist Thais are now unable to think rationally, however. Now, tell me more about ultra-nationalism elsewhere.

……

Note: Shortly after the article was penned and before it was published, Malaysian Prime Ministe and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim posted the following message on Facebook regarding the Thai-Cambodian peace accord and Thailand’s tariff negotiations with the US. The post was made shortly before 1pm Bangkok time.

“During my conversation with President Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, we reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord. We also concurred that meaningful progress must be made on the issue of demining, without involving any form of trade cooperation.

“I continue to appreciate President Trump’s personal and active commitment to resolving this matter.”

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Naked Foreigner on Motorcycle Startles Kamphaeng Phet Residents

By

Khaosod English

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16 November 2025, 13:13

kampang naked1 — A resident captures a naked foreign man riding away on a motorcycle after stopping at a convenience store in Kamphaeng Phet’s Khlong Lan market on Nov. 16, 2025.

KAMPHAENG PHET — A naked foreign man stunned shoppers in a Kamphaeng Phet market early Saturday when he rode a motorcycle into the town center and walked into a convenience store without wearing any clothing.

Photos and videos show the man — described by police as a Western national in his 30s — arriving at a shop inside the Khlong Lan fresh market around 7:30 a.m. He appeared unfazed by onlookers, using one hand to cover his genitals before riding away.

Residents alerted police, who later found the man sitting on a chair at a nearby snooker table in an intoxicated state, according to Khlong Lan police. Officers warned him about his behavior.

A Thai woman who identified herself as his wife soon arrived with clothes and took him home, police said.

Tourist Police and immigration officers later tracked him to a house in the Ban Suan Som area of Khlong Nam Lai, where they found him sitting calmly on a chair wearing only shorts. His Thai wife was trying to comfort him, officers said. With the help of an interpreter, police learned the man had been heavily intoxicated and stressed by personal problems.

kampang naked2 — A naked foreign man rides off on a motorcycle after visiting a convenience store at Khlong Lan market in Kamphaeng Phet, in a photo taken by a resident on Nov. 16, 2025.

After speaking with officers, he acknowledged the incident and regained composure. Police took him to Khlong Lan Police Station, where he was fined for public indecency.

His wife told authorities they had been together for three years and share a 2-month-old daughter. She said he arrived in Thailand unannounced, walking about 5 kilometers from a bus station to reach her. Before the incident, he had consumed a case of beer and smoked cannabis, she said, adding that she had tried to hide his cannabis supply.

She said her husband had spoken of depression and previously came close to attempting suicide abroad but had not received treatment. He planned to return to his home country at the end of the month for medical care.

kampang naked3 — Police question the foreign man at his home in the Ban Suan Som area of Khlong Nam Lai subdistrict, Kamphaeng Phet province, following the naked incident on Nov. 16, 2025.

“I want to apologize to society on behalf of my husband,” she said. “I tried to stop him, but he said this was normal where he comes from. I’m sorry for his behavior.”

Kamphaeng Phet is a lower northern province of Thailand with a population of nearly 700,000. It typically has far fewer foreign residents compared to major tourist destinations or northeastern provinces, where many foreigners marry Thai women and settle down to work or retire in Thailand.

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Elite Visa Used as Cover: Chinese Scammer Arrested at Bangkok Airport

By

Khaosod English

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15 November 2025, 17:26

chinese rangnam2 — Evidence seized from Da Qiang's Soi Rang Nam residence includes phones, bank cards, and SIM cards used to launder money for online scam operations.

BANGKOK — Immigration police at Don Mueang Airport intercepted a Chinese national holding a Thailand Privilege Card, also known as an Elite Visa, as he attempted to flee the country on Friday. The suspect, Mr. Da Qiang, was detained under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on June 13, 2025.

He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud the public, entering false data into a computer system, conspiracy to launder money and operating an illegal lottery.

Authorities said the man entered Thailand under the Thailand Privilege Card program, commonly known as the Elite Visa. The scheme offers long-term visas and premium immigration services to foreign nationals who pay membership fees.

Following the arrest at the airport, officers escorted the suspect to his residence on Soi Rang Nam in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district for a search. They confiscated three mobile phones, 10 ATM and credit cards, 12 SIM cards, and numerous money-transfer receipts and bank transaction slips.

chinese elite visa4 — Evidence seized from the suspect’s residence includes mobile phones, ATM and credit cards, SIM cards, and stacks of money-transfer receipts collected by immigration police during the investigation.

How the Scam Worked

The case began in late March when a victim filed a police report after encountering what appeared to be a legitimate business opportunity on Facebook. The target was invited to join a LINE group with over 700 members that claimed to offer e-commerce opportunities.

As a test, the person sold one item for 1,420 baht and received genuine payment. Encouraged by this initial success, they contacted administrators to withdraw the earnings. The fraudsters directed them to register through a fake “SELLER CENTER” website and contact their so-called financial staff.

The scammers explained that while sales revenue had entered the system, withdrawals were blocked because the store’s visibility settings hadn’t been activated.

The Trap Tightens

The target was then moved to a smaller, private LINE group called “Store Visibility Activation.” There, they were instructed to complete activities requiring upfront cash transfers, supposedly to circulate product inventory. The fake website displayed realistic transaction data and growing account balances, making the scheme appear legitimate.

Each time the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the criminals invented new reasons why it wasn’t possible—demanding additional payments to unlock accounts, meet minimum thresholds, or resolve fabricated technical issues. The victim continued transferring money, believing each payment would be the last one needed.

In the end, no withdrawals were ever processed. Total losses exceeded 2.9 million baht ($89,700)

chinese rangnam1 — Evidence seized from Da Qiang’s Soi Rang Nam residence includes phones, bank cards, and SIM cards used to launder money for online scam operations.

Major Investigation Uncovers Network

Police conducted an extensive investigation that led to arrest warrants for 34 suspects—10 Chinese nationals and 24 Thai citizens. The operation spanned multiple levels of criminal activity, from financiers and operation managers to money launderers, mule account operators, account brokers, and cash withdrawal coordinators.

Authorities executed arrests in two phases: April 8, 2025, and May 7, 2025. A total of 28 suspects were apprehended, and officers seized 12 laptops, 64 mobile phones, and other assets valued at over 6 million baht ($89,700).

Extended investigations identified Mr. Da Qiang as a key money launderer operating within Thailand. His role involved converting digital currency (USDT) into Thai baht and Chinese yuan, then distributing funds to various members of the criminal network.

Financial records revealed that over an 18-month period, he processed more than 330 million baht ($10.2 million) worth of cryptocurrency through various exchange platforms, channeling the money to multiple call center fraud operations.

Suspect Denies Involvement

During interrogation, Da Qiang denied the criminal charges but confirmed he operated digital wallets and handled currency exchanges. He claimed he was simply following instructions from Chinese clients and was unaware of any illegal activity.

Police have retained all evidence and transferred the suspect to prosecutors for legal proceedings.

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Bangkok Raid Uncovers Crypto Scam Base; 15 Eastern Europeans Arrested

By

Khaosod English

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15 November 2025, 12:48

BANGKOK — Thai police arrested 15 Eastern European nationals after raiding a Bangkok building that had been converted into a base for an alleged cryptocurrency investment scam, authorities said Saturday.

Metropolitan Police Devision 2 officers were dispatched to the site around 8:30 p.m.Friday after residents reported loud noise and a steady flow of foreigners entering and leaving a warehouse-like structure near the end of an alley between Soi Nuan Chan 36 and 38, Bueng Kim district.

Officers encountered two Azerbaijani men outside the building who struggled to communicate in English. The pair asked police to wait for a friend who could translate. When the warehouse owner arrived shortly afterward, he helped officers explain the search request, and the occupants complied.

eastern europe scam1 — Police detain 15 foreign nationals inside a sealed warehouse room in Bangkok during a Nov. 14 raid that uncovered an alleged cryptocurrency scam operation, along with computers, mobile phones and scripts used to target victims.

Inside, police found a large, windowless room sealed with a steel door fitted with a peephole. Officers moved to a connected back room, where they discovered 15 people sitting at computers. Some tried to flee but were immediately detained.

Police then contacted the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Investigators said the group was running a website used to defraud victims by luring them into cryptocurrency trading schemes. Scam scripts and other materials were seized at the scene.

Those arrested include nine Azerbaijani nationals, five Georgian nationals and one Ukrainian citizen. They face charges of conspiracy, involvement in a transnational criminal organization, and working in Thailand without permits.

Police confiscated 25 notebook computers, two routers, 16 mobile phones, 15 sets of headphones and charging cables, and several scam manuals. The suspects were taken to Khok Khram Police Station for further questioning, and immigration authorities will review their backgrounds, police said.

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Trump Says He ‘Stopped a War’ by Preserving a Ceasefire Between Cambodia and Thailand

By

Associated Press

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15 November 2025, 11:10

Trump Government Shutdown — President Donald Trump speaks before signing the funding bill to reopen the government, in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he had successfully eased hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, saying that he’d been able to preserve a previous, U.S.-brokered ceasefire that had appeared to be breaking down.

“I stopped a war just today,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for the weekend. He said his actions were made possible by his willingness to impose steep tariffs on countries around the world, which he has argued gives the U.S. great leverage on trade and diplomatic leverage.

The president said he’d spoken to the prime ministers of both countries by phone and now, “They’re doing great. They were not doing great.”

He said the conversations left him believing, “I think they’re going to be fine.”

Territorial disputes over exactly where the border lies between the Southeast Asian neighbors led to five days of armed conflict in late July that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.

AP25299197048420 — President Donald Trump, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, left, and Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pose with their documents during a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump threatened to withhold trade privileges from the two countries unless they stopped fighting, helping to broker a temporary halt to the conflict. The pact was then reaffirmed in greater detail last month, when Trump attended an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit meeting in Malaysia.

The ceasefire seemed on the verge of falling apart this week, however, when Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said a villager was killed after shooting broke out along his country’s border with Thailand.

Manet said one civilian was killed and three others wounded when Thai troops opened fire on civilians residing in the area of Prey Chan in Cambodia’s northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey. The same village was the site of a violent but not lethal confrontation in September between Thai security personnel and Cambodian villagers.

AP25317158870975 — In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), an injured man, rear center, is visited by members of the ASEAN’s observer team (AOT) in a hospital in Prey Chan, a border village to Thailand, in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AKP via AP)

The Thai military said that the latest incident began when Cambodian soldiers allegedly fired into a district in Thailand’s eastern province of Sa Kaeo. No Thai casualties were reported.

Thailand and Cambodia have a history of enmity going back centuries, when they were warring empires. Their competing territorial claims stem largely from a 1907 map drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand has argued is inaccurate.

The ceasefire does not spell out a path to resolve the underlying basis of the dispute, the longstanding differences over where the border should run.

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Marcos promises action

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